EUT078: Anglo-American Relations

School null
Department Code null
Module Code EUT078
External Subject Code L250
Number of Credits 15
Level L7
Language of Delivery English
Module Leader Dr Stephen Marsh
Semester Spring Semester
Academic Year 2013/4

Outline Description of Module

The module introduces students to Anglo-American relations and to the concept of a ‘special relationship’ between the US and the UK. It first establishes an historical context for the claimed origins of a special relationship. It then examines Anglo-American relations in a post-Cold War context through analysis of defence, intelligence, nuclear, economic and cultural connections between the US and the UK. It concludes by assessing whether Anglo-American relations have been or remain ‘special’ in the context of international relations, whether they constitute a distinct branch of western civilisation and whether they are becoming bounded less by Atlanticism and more by an emergent Anglo-sphere.  

On completion of the module a student should be able to

On successful completion of the module a student will be able to:

 

  • Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of key concepts concerned with Anglo-American relations
  • Compare and contrast foreign policy approaches of different US and UK governmnets towards the ‘special relationship’
  • Critically assess the evolving nature of Anglo-American relations
  • Understand how the boundaries of knowledge are advanced through research, and to be able to deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, whilst demonstrating originality in addressing and solving problems
  • Demonstrate specialist knowledge of the latest scholarly research in the area of Anglo-American relations, as well as an ability to reflect upon theoretical and empirical issues in a sophisticated manner
  • Distinguish between the principal forms of reasoning and argument used in scholarly literature on international relations and Anglo-American relations. 

How the module will be delivered

Seminars, essay feedback, and guided independent study 

Skills that will be practised and developed

Intellectual Skills:

 Apply skills of independent research

  • Gather organise and deploy evidence, data and information from a variety of sources, demonstrate an ability to appreciate and offer balanced assessments of arguments and information, and present the findings and conclusions in seminar discussion and the assessment essay
  • Develop a reasoned argument, synthesize relevant information and exercise critical judgement in the use of information
  • Exhibit originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in the area of Anglo-American relations.
  • Reflect on their own learning, make use of constructive feedback and manage their own learning self-critically

 

Discipline Specific (including practical) Skills:

  • Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of key concepts and arguments concerned with Anglo-American relations
  • Critically analyse and evaluate American and British responses to the end of the Cold War
  • Critically evaluate Anglo-American relations in the context of transatlantic relations and alternative identity constructs, especially the Anglo-sphere.

 

 

Transferable Skills:

 

  • Communicate ideas effectively and fluently, both orally and in writing.
  • Use communication and information technologies for the retrieval and presentation of information.
  • Work independently, demonstrating initiative, self-organisation and time management.
  • Collaborate with others and contribute to the achievement of common goals.
  • Develop techniques for self-reflection and improvement 

How the module will be assessed

 

Type of assessment

 

%

Contribution

Title

Duration
(if applicable)

Approx. date of Assessment

Formative essay

0

Selection in module kit. 1500 words

 

March (second semester_

Summative essay

100%

Selection in module kit.  3000 words

 

April (second semester) 

 

 

 

The opportunity for reassessment in this module

Opportunity to re-submit an essay after completion of PART ONE modules in semester 2

 

  

 

Assessment Breakdown

Type % Title Duration(hrs)
Written Assessment 100 3000 Word Essay N/A

Syllabus content

  • Origins of, and debates about, a ‘special’ Anglo-American relationship
  • Post-Cold War Anglo-American intelligence relations
  • Post-Cold War Anglo-American defence relations
  • Post-Cold War Anglo-American nuclear relations
  • Post-Cold War Anglo-American economic relations

Post-Cold War Anglo-American cultural connections 

Essential Reading and Resource List

There is no core text and the module uses many books, articles, think tank publications, quality newspapers and so forth. However, for a good introduction see especially:

  1. S. Marsh and AP Dobson eds (2013), Anglo-American Relations: Contemporary Perspectives

J. Dumbrell (2006), Anglo-American Relations From the Cold War to Iraq 


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